Low-Cost South Korea

South Korea is a relatively well-developed country economically, but it can still be a bargain for visitors. So says an article at http://our-oyster.com/asia/budget-travel-in-south-korea.

The country has plenty of hostels where a bed will cost between $15 and $25 a night. In the capital Seoul, stick to the Hongdae district for the best bargains, since it is where students hang out. A Metro ride anywhere in the city costs just $1.30, and inter-city express buses cost only about half what train travel does. They are slower, however.

Traditional Korean food is both tasty and inexpensive. In a Korean restaurant the sizzling barbequed meat served with unlimited soup and side dishes costs only about $10, or if you prefer vegetarian fare a dish called bibimbap with rice, vegetables and spicy sauce goes for $3 or so. Seoul is a very large, lively city with lots to do at any time of day, and according to the story the people are very friendly.

By coincidence I had seen a show about South Korea the day before reading this story on the TV program Ports d'Attache (http://ports.tv5.ca,) and it did indeed look interesting. Haven't been there yet, but it's on my list.